Author: space4knews

Mitsubishi has unveiled the all-new generation flagship SUV, the ‘All-New Pajero,’ in Tokyo. Sales will begin this fiscal year in Thailand and expand to over 100 countries and regions starting in 2027. The new Pajero is equipped with a 2.4-liter clean diesel engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a Super All-Wheel Control system.

On September 4, the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mitsubishi revealed the latest generation of its popular flagship SUV, the All-New Pajero, at a special event in Tokyo. This release marks the arrival of a new model nearly two decades after the fourth generation Pajero debuted in 2006. The vehicle had its worldwide first showcase on Wednesday at the Tokyo event.

At the unveiling, Mitsubishi Motors Chairman and CEO Keisuke Kishiura, along with Chief Production Specialist Itaki Kunitoshi, officially presented the vehicle. Production of the new Pajero will take place at Mitsubishi’s main manufacturing facility in Thailand. Sales distribution is planned to start within this fiscal year from Thailand. Subsequently, it will be available in key markets such as Japan and Australia during fiscal year 2026. Starting from 2027, the company plans to expand the model’s presence to over 100 countries and regions including ASEAN, Latin America, and West Asia.

First launched in 1982, the Pajero has been known for its genuine off-road capabilities, high reliability, and exceptional combination of comfort features for passengers. It played a significant role in ushering a new era of recreational vehicles in Japan throughout the 1990s. Across its four generations, total production has exceeded 3.29 million units. The Pajero also earned the title ‘King of the Desert’ by securing 12 overall wins—including seven consecutive victories—in the famous Dakar Rally. Mitsubishi has employed technologies tested and developed through rally competitions in its production vehicles.

During the global event, Keisuke Kishiura, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Mitsubishi Motors, outlined the company’s new strategic plan. Kishiura stated, “According to our mid-term and long-term strategy leading to 2030, we will develop special products. We aim to strengthen our brand by enhancing customer satisfaction, which will increase the company’s value. Additionally, we will reinforce the elements that make Mitsubishi Motors distinctive.” The company has set a goal to remain focused on customer satisfaction until 2030.

He added, “The All-New Pajero is the first model to embody this vision. It will lead the Pajero lineup as our flagship model and drive forward the entire range. The All-New Pajero, developed to a new level, is a premium cross-country SUV that drivers can rely on in every condition. We will gradually introduce it to various markets worldwide.”

The company plans to commence sales this fiscal year from Thailand, Australia, and Japan. Following this, there will be further expansion of the Pajero lineup to include smaller and compact SUVs. This move is expected to provide new options for previous Pajero owners and attract new customers.

Chief Production Officer Itaki Kunitoshi spoke on behalf of the development team, sharing the vision and technical aspects behind the new Pajero’s creation. Kunitoshi explained, “Mitsubishi Motors’ primary goal is to enable every driver to travel safely in all road and weather conditions. We aspire for people to travel comfortably and confidently regardless of circumstances. The All-New Pajero represents Mitsubishi’s identity as a flagship model.”

According to him, when traveling to new destinations, people often experience a blend of excitement and uncertainty. In such moments, the vehicle must give drivers the confidence to move forward without hesitation.

The exterior and interior design of the new Pajero are based on the ‘Grand Charisma’ concept. Program Design Director Norihiko Yoshimura articulated this design philosophy during the event.

Yoshimura said, “Initially, we asked ourselves why and why now the Pajero? Our designers and developers had in-depth discussions. Ultimately, we reached a shared understanding—we would create the new Pajero in Japan.” The design team focused not only on continuing the legacy but also on addressing the needs of a new era.

He added, “There are many off-road brands worldwide, but we are confident that Japan has the Pajero. The first generation Pajero not only followed established values but created new ones, inspiring customers around the world to appreciate and adopt it. I am one of those customers myself.”

Even after 20 years since the fourth generation, discussions on how the new Pajero should be crafted continued. Yoshimura remarked, “We did not merely revive old elements; we challenged preconceptions and introduced innovations that capture Pajero’s true essence.”

Quoting Hiroshi Masuoka, a seven-time Dakar Rally winner, Yoshimura highlighted the importance of reducing driver fatigue as a key feature of the vehicle. Citing Masuoka’s message, “Skill alone is not enough in rallying; vehicles must also be easy to handle. The car must reduce driver fatigue even when pushed to the limit. This is why the Pajero crossed the finishing line quickly at Dakar and became a legend there.”

Key Features of the New Pajero

The new Pajero preserves the straightforward horizontal and vertical lines inspired by the first generation’s exterior. Its C-pillar design draws from the first generation’s roll bar. The front features symbols from the Japanese martial art ‘Kendo,’ incorporating deeply engraved T-shaped headlights. There are two grille options on the front: a horizontal bar grille and a high-comb grille.

Mitsubishi’s renowned ‘Dynamic Shield’ design is presented here in a more robust form. The rear incorporates a spare wheel redesigned into a hexagonal shape, reminiscent of earlier model generations. The front bonnet has a crown-like design. Two main color themes are available: ‘Armor Copper Metallic’ and ‘Phantom Blue Metallic.’ Inside, a ‘Camel’ color is used to create a natural-looking interior.

The new Pajero is powered by a specially developed 2.4-liter clean diesel engine. This engine includes a Wide-Range Single Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGGT) producing a maximum torque of 480 Newton meters. It is paired with a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission supporting a sport mode.

The vehicle’s main structure employs a robust ladder frame. Use of high-tensile steel helps reduce weight. The frame construction enhances bending and torsional rigidity. The suspension system consists of an independent double-wishbone setup at the front and a newly developed five-link rigid axle at the rear.

To enhance driving capabilities, Mitsubishi has integrated the ‘Super All-Wheel Control’ and ‘Super Select Four Wheel Drive-to’ systems. Drivers can select from four modes according to their needs: two-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive, center differential lock, and center differential lock with low-range gearing.

The new Pajero prioritizes interior comfort regardless of the road conditions. Ample space is allocated for three rows of passengers. The second-row seats can slide forward and backward and feature a double-folding function to facilitate easy access to the third row. Third-row seats can be adjusted simply for either passenger seating or storage.

To ensure a quiet ride, special soundproof glass is used on the windshield and front and rear door windows. This allows clear conversation even at high speed or during rain.

The interior features two large 14.3-inch screens in a single cluster. The famous ‘triple gauge’ display from previous Pajero generations is transformed into a modern ‘multi-meter.’ The dashboard and door panels include ‘S’-shaped stitching and soft materials inspired by the traditional Japanese craft ‘Kimekomi.’ For audio and entertainment, the vehicle is equipped with the ‘Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate’ system developed in collaboration with Yamaha Corporation, including wireless smartphone connectivity.

Testing of the vehicle was conducted on the new off-road track at the Tokachi Research Center in Hokkaido, Japan. Additional testing on on-road tracks simulating various road conditions worldwide was also performed. To confirm durability and performance, testing took place in demanding terrains across Thailand, Australia, and Africa.

The Nepal Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs’ Association has drawn the attention of Ravi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), regarding the inclusion of only 25 entities in the worker recruitment process for Malaysia. The association has raised questions about the legitimacy, criteria, transparency, fairness, and reliability involved in the selection of these 25 companies and has demanded a fair investigation. Lamichhane has pledged to initiate legal action against any individuals or organizations found guilty of irregularities. Kathmandu, 18 Bhadra.

A delegation led by the association’s president, Dikbahadur Khatri, met with Lamichhane to discuss challenges in the foreign employment sector and policy reforms. During the meeting, it was highlighted that only 25 foreign employment entrepreneurs were included in the recruitment process for Malaysia through the Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS), while efforts were made to exclude other entrepreneurs from this process, the association reported.

The association questioned the authority, criteria, transparency, fairness, and credibility of the selection of these 25 entities and called for a fair investigation. In response, Lamichhane expressed his commitment to investigate the matter, promising to take legal action against any individuals or organizations found involved in wrongdoing. The association also noted that monopoly by a limited group and unhealthy competition in the foreign employment sector could negatively affect workers, entrepreneurs, and the Nepal–Malaysia labor relations.

The government has submitted a bill to parliament to amend the Payment and Settlement Act of 2018, allowing international companies such as PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard to operate in Nepal. If passed, the bill is expected to enhance competition in the Nepali payment system, reduce transaction fees, and provide customers with higher quality services, officials from the central bank have stated. The bill outlines provisions including the application process for foreign companies, digital financial services, pilot testing, liquidity facilities, and a dispute resolution committee. Kathmandu, 18 Bhadra.

The government is advancing the process to permit international companies offering payment services to operate in Nepal. On Thursday, the Ministry of Finance submitted the amendment bill to parliament. The bill includes provisions allowing foreign payment service providers to obtain authorization to work within Nepal. Central bank officials have indicated that should the lawmakers approve the bill as is, without amendments, international payment institutions such as PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard will be able to secure licenses to provide their services domestically.

With the entry of international companies, competition in Nepal’s payment system will increase, making it possible for customers to access excellent services at lower fees. A central bank official remarked, “This will resolve issues faced by exporters and freelancers who have been unable to receive funds through PayPal.” The bill also stipulates that members appointed as expert directors to the National Payment Board must hold at least a postgraduate degree in economics, monetary affairs, finance, management, information technology, or commercial law, and have a minimum of five years of experience.

Following road blockages caused by floods and landslides, Nepal Oil Corporation has been supplying petroleum products to the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding districts through alternative routes. The corporation has arranged to deliver approximately 24,500 gas cylinders to the valley today and plans to increase the regular supply volume from tomorrow onward. For rescue operations, air refueling services have been established at the Nepal Army barracks in Nuwakot, from where 1,002,000 liters of aviation fuel have already been dispatched since September 25.

Today alone, arrangements have been made to transport around 24,500 gas cylinders of various brands to the valley, with plans to maintain and increase this supply regularly starting tomorrow. As of September 18, due to continuous heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides have disrupted the road network, prompting Nepal Oil Corporation to supply petroleum products and cooking LPG to Kathmandu Valley and neighboring districts through alternative routes.

On September 25, flooding in the Bhote Koshi River caused significant damage to lives and property across districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan. The corporation has been managing the sale and distribution of petroleum products and gas to support ongoing rescue efforts in the affected regions. Additionally, on September 29, the Trishuli River caused road collapses along the Krishna Bhir section of the Prithvi Highway, blocking access as petroleum tankers and gas delivery vehicles were unable to pass.

Addressing these challenges, the corporation has shifted petroleum product distribution for Kathmandu and nearby districts to the Tribhuvan Rajpath alternative route. For the LPG industry, gas cylinders are being filled in Terai-based industries and transported via the same route. Furthermore, in coordination with the Nepal Army, aviation fuel refueling services for helicopters engaged in search and rescue operations are being operated from the army barracks in Nuwakot.

Since September 25, 1,002,000 liters of aviation fuel have been dispatched for refueling operations, and these services are continuing regularly from the same barracks, according to the corporation. To facilitate rescue operations, the corporation’s Bagmati Regional Office in Thankot has supplied 1,050,000 liters of petrol and 2,020,000 liters of diesel to operational petrol pumps in flood-affected areas. Additionally, arrangements have been made to supply petrol and diesel on public holidays as needed.

The corporation has also arranged necessary gas supplies for flood victims housed in various shelters in the affected areas. In coordination with the Nepal LPG Industry Association, 1,250 gas cylinders are being provided, with 500 cylinders scheduled for delivery to Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts upon the request of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority at Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, as shared by Nepal Oil Corporation spokesperson Manoj Thakur.

After a landslide blocked the Prithvi Highway at Krishnabir, the price of cooking LPG within the Kathmandu Valley has been increased by NPR 1,005.38 per cylinder. According to a decision by the Federation of Industries, the new price for LPG in Kathmandu Valley will be NPR 2,165.38 per cylinder. Industrialists have stated that since LPG must now be refilled in the Terai region and transported via alternative routes, transportation costs have risen, resulting in some burden being passed on to consumers. (September 3, Kathmandu)

Following the landslide at Krishnabir that rendered the Prithvi Highway impassable, industrialists, with the agreement of Nepal Oil Corporation, have raised the price of cooking LPG due to the higher cost of alternative transportation. While Nepal Oil Corporation had fixed the ex-factory price at NPR 2,060 per cylinder, industrialists increased the price by NPR 105.38 per cylinder citing the additional transportation fee. The Federation announced this price revision through a press release following its annual general meeting held on September 3.

According to the Federation’s decision, the LPG price in Kathmandu Valley will now be NPR 2,165.38 per cylinder. Former Federation president Shivprasad Ghimire explained that the landslide at Krishnabir has increased the cost of transporting LPG through alternate routes, necessitating some cost sharing by consumers. “Previously, LPG was transported by bullet trucks carrying 1,250 cylinders each, but now refilling in the Terai and transporting via other means has become more expensive,” he said. “Though the transportation cost is NPR 180 per cylinder, consumers will need to pay an additional NPR 105.”

Industrialists claim that the price hike has been implemented with the consent of Nepal Oil Corporation. The Federation explained that LPG industries in Kathmandu Valley are constrained to refill cylinders in facilities located in the Terai region, increasing transportation expenses. Gokul Bhandari, director of Nepal Gas Industry, clarified that the price increase is solely due to rising transportation costs rather than the purchase price of LPG itself. “The Oil Corporation reimburses transportation costs only up to the Terai region, not up to Kathmandu,” Bhandari said. “In accordance with the Corporation’s agreement and provisions, we have increased the price by NPR 105 per cylinder to cover additional transportation beyond 50 kilometers.”

He added that the industry’s actual expense is over NPR 200, but per Corporation regulations, only NPR 105 extra transportation cost can be charged, resulting in losses that the industry absorbs to ensure supply. Regarding the price hike, Nepal Oil Corporation spokesperson Manoj Thakur explained that the ex-factory price for cooking LPG is applicable only up to 50 kilometers from the factory. According to Thakur, industrialists themselves are permitted to add transportation charges for distances exceeding 50 kilometers. “The price set by the Corporation covers only 50 kilometers from the factory; beyond this distance, industrialists can add transportation charges on their own,” he stated. When asked whether industrialists increased transportation costs without the Corporation’s approval, Thakur clarified that this is an existing practice, not a new arrangement. “This is not a new rule; it has been in effect for some time. As industries in Biratnagar add transportation costs for distances beyond 50 kilometers, so do others,” he concluded.